Rumor: PSP-4000 out next year, PSP2 in development
by Majed Athab 
{ Dec 16th 2008 at 7:45AM }
According to Eurogamer, numerous publishing sources have confirmed that Sony is at work at a third hardware revision and it's planned to come out next year. Not only that, but software developers are reportedly busy working on games for a "PSP2." There were no specific details revealed involving either hardware. The PSP2, unlike the PSP-4000, has not been given any sort of timeframe.
Despite how assured Eurogamer is on the credibility of the information, Sony continues to give the usual "won't comment on rumors and speculation" response. In fact, it was not too long ago that SCEE head David Reeves denied the existence of a PSP successor as rumors unfurled from a tech deal.
Despite how assured Eurogamer is on the credibility of the information, Sony continues to give the usual "won't comment on rumors and speculation" response. In fact, it was not too long ago that SCEE head David Reeves denied the existence of a PSP successor as rumors unfurled from a tech deal.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Hashbrown Hunter @ Dec 16th 2008 7:56AM
Well it wouldn't make sense if Sony WASN'T working on a PSP2. I think they're just denying it for now, but I'm expecting PSP2 in 2010/2011.
BLee @ Dec 16th 2008 7:59AM
completely agree.. It's just not news until we know of upgrades or features..
Obviously theyre working on something new.. what's going to be different w/ the PSP-4000? Whats going to be different with the PSP2?..
aj @ Dec 16th 2008 10:06AM
Well, they did such a good job with the new screens that Sony has decided to install steel spikes on the side of the PSP unit so that the player will surely exsanguinate before they finish a play session.
Another feature will be that the 4000 model will actually be more expensive. Just because.
Gurbinder @ Dec 16th 2008 4:13PM
wow my friend was right on the fact about psp 4000 rumors :/ I thought he was lieing but it turns out people from Quebec knew about this before I did :o
vask @ Dec 16th 2008 10:54PM
maybe another analog stick? and fix that screen problem i heard about
jalannom @ Dec 27th 2008 6:21PM
They can fool me once, but not twice(or 3 or 4 or 5!!!!).
I will never buy another PSP again.
Big F U to Sony PSP developers. (PS3 is an exception.. I love my PS3.)
GoBob @ Dec 16th 2008 8:24AM
Why make a new version when there's no games coming out? God, I sound like a troll but seriously, we need more games. Then again, it's the SCE that's making it, and they'll be fine since they actually release and promote games, unlike the SCEA and SCEE.
senaiboy @ Dec 16th 2008 10:14AM
maybe the software developers are already making games for the PSP2? haha :P
seriously, that'll make my psp brite obsolete in just .. 2-3 years? =/
GoBob @ Dec 16th 2008 10:18AM
We can only hope, but I doubt it. I really don't like the direction they're heading in. Make new hardware won't improve sales if they don't have titles that people want. The PSP is doing great in Japanese because they have a lot of games coming out every week and a bunch of neat peripherals. I mean, we still don't have the GPS or camera in NA yet, right?
Mullinsmcd @ Dec 16th 2008 11:19AM
The reason why there are no games coming out for PSP at the moment is because of the ify sales figures of 9-12 months ago. Many publishers were not green-lighting projects on the PSP because they were not sure the platform would last. Now we can see that the PSP is doing very well, better in Japan then the US and Europe but good nonetheless. The problem is that game development takes at least a year and developing for the PSP is no different. So most likely, the only big releases in the beginning of next year will be first party titles, then by mid year to early fall we might get the Squenix KH and FF titles and some other big third party releases, some we probably have not even heard of yet. I, for one, am definitely hyped for the next hardware release. I got a PSP-2000 earlier this year and I have been extremely please with it. I know that with a more robust firmware, greater graphical prowess, and better third party support the PSP2 could be my favorite console.
Nate @ Dec 16th 2008 8:30AM
Just make it dual analog and solid state memory for games. Please skip any touch screen BS.
Christopher @ Dec 16th 2008 9:33AM
No, it NEEDS touch screen and here's why:
Ipod and DS.
If it were just the DS, no big deal, but no matter how much you may scoff, Ipod coming into the games space IS a big deal because you know all those Apple fanboys will be dropping hot money for downloadable content. People who have an Ipod may make their decision on whether to even bother with a PSP2 based ON the availability of touch controls. PSP2 will be the odd duck out if it doesn't have touch screen. PSP struggles as it is. They're not going to risk not having a touch screen. That's my prediction.
cafecito @ Dec 16th 2008 10:10AM
Nah, it doesn't NEED a touchscreen. Touchscreen is an unnnecesary gimmick, and I hate it. That's why I got a PSP and not a DS. I believe sony will try another approach to the issue, with some other kinda feature. I doubt they wanna copy Nintendo with that.
All in all, I just hope it doesn't include that touchscreen FPOS.
FeaturePreacher @ Dec 16th 2008 2:54PM
I agree with Christopher, it needs a touchscreen. I may or may not be interested in games that use it, but if it can increase the install base for the psp2, then I'm for it. It also could use an accelerometer for games in the vein of LocoRoco.
Gurbinder @ Dec 16th 2008 4:58PM
No it does NOT need a touchscreen. Some of us like buttons and want to keep it that way. Touchscreen is just annoying.
However if they are going to add touchscreen atleast maintain those buttons. It won't be as bad then.
Gaucho @ Dec 16th 2008 9:18AM
This is a pretty big slip on Sony's part (for Eurogamer to find out.) This is most likely going to hurt last minute PSP sales for this christmas. I know that if I was going to buy a psp tomorrow, having heard this news I would just wait it out until next year or even 2010 for the PSP2.
Ben @ Dec 16th 2008 2:41PM
It won't hurt anything. It's not a large rumor, and the general consumer will have absolutely no idea what the article talks about if they somehow manage to find out about it through word of mouth or something. The "gamer" population might give a hoot, but we're a small slice of the pie and not a very payed-attention-to one at that.
Longhart @ Dec 16th 2008 9:39AM
what?!if this is true than the psp 10 years whatever they said its not true?
Panathas17 @ Dec 18th 2008 12:24AM
Didn't they say that about the first PSP (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000) - This will be the PSP2 after the 20 year cycle...
aj @ Dec 16th 2008 9:55AM
At least the PSP2 has games in development.
And for all of those complaining about there being no games for the PSP - check out the homebrew community. I've put more time into Powder and Cave Story than I have the 20 or so games I've actually bought (which makes me sad, really).
And I just downloaded Star Control II the other day (AKA The Ur-Quan Masters, AKA the greatest and best game ever made).
Gaucho @ Dec 16th 2008 10:41AM
For those of us who's level of ingenuity when it comes to the PSP is no greater than a walnut, where can one get this "homebrew" you speak of? (I'm banking on this being the post that makes me feel the most extra-super-dumb I've ever posted.)
Boogs @ Dec 16th 2008 10:51AM
I have to agree, Star Control II was an excellent game.
Carney @ Dec 16th 2008 1:06PM
Homebrew, emulation, and old school fans: don't risk bricking your PSP!
Instead, get a Pandora or a GP2X. They're powerful, with open software and no DRM. And there's a staggering array of software for them, especially emulation. And yes Ur-Quan Masters too.
pixelator @ Dec 16th 2008 1:31PM
"Homebrew, emulation, and old school fans: don't risk bricking your PSP!"
Almost nobody bricks their PSP. Don't spread FUD. Homebrew on PSP isn't really dangerous or risky and although the Pandora is definitely a cool tinkering device, it's not going to be a mainstream commercial product with wide first and secondary/third party games support. EA, Square, Namco, Konami, etc. won't be making games for open Linux or Pandora anytime soon and its hardware lacks the multi processor 3D graphics hardware of the PSP.
As for a touchscreen, it would be a plus. Just because the stylus approach for many DS games has been gimmicky doesn't mean the PSP2 couldn't put such an interface to better use, especially for higher resolution RTS titles, a much more robust internet browser and more elaborate UI.
I think 2 analogs is going to be a given.
Carney @ Dec 16th 2008 7:08PM
I never claimed the GP2X or Pandora to have significant native commercial software libraries.
But they're good for why more than "tinkering". Unlike the PSP where you are engaged in an endless arms race with Sony and constantly having to re crack your system, thus violating your license agreement and trashing your warranty rights, the GP2X and Pandora are MEANT to run homebrew and emulated code. Whatever your favored old school arcade or console, you can run it great.
The PSP is a fantastic system but I think it should be reserved for its intended purposes of mainstream current software. Old school and homebrew deserve their own supplementary/complementary system.
And as for FUD the GP2X runs Wolf3D, DOOM, Duke Nukem, and even Quake just great. The Pandora can handle Quake 3!
M. @ Dec 17th 2008 8:03AM
I'll be the third to agree that SC2 is amazing. Even though it *looks* dated, it plays better than almost anything out there. The same can be said for, say, X--COM: UFO Defense.
TM @ Dec 16th 2008 10:04AM
I'm guessing psp 4000 is going to be another minor update and then next year the psp2 with two sticks, touch screen, psn, camera, gps, store, a different disc format or 100% digital distribution. imagine if you could choose playing a fps with a stylus or two sticks.
aj @ Dec 16th 2008 10:07AM
Jesus, enough about the 2 sticks already.
The PSP has what, maybe 5 FPS's in it's library?
Wrathbringer @ Dec 16th 2008 11:57AM
The reason the PSP has so few FPS's is because they can't be done properly on the damn thing. Dual analog will fix that, and will bring MORE FPS's to the system.
Dr Haisook @ Dec 16th 2008 1:15PM
FPS games are of no use to the Japanese. They don't play them. And so 2 analog sticks wouldn't be mandatory, because Japan has the first priority. We come next.
SolidOtacon @ Dec 16th 2008 10:27AM
I want a bigger screen and better graphics and this PSP will be win.
Jason @ Dec 16th 2008 10:53AM
If that's the case then maybe Polyphony Digital can have Gran Turismo Portable ready for the PSP3!
Mullinsmcd @ Dec 16th 2008 11:27AM
Honestly, PSP2 just needs to pump out graphics at full PS2 levels. Sure the guys at Ready At Dawn squeezed the hell out of the PSP potential to make a game that looked like the PS2 ones (GoW:COO), but if the starting point is the great looking later gen PS2 titles then it would be all I would need. I love my DS but I cant stand the N64 like sprites used with superdeformed features thats used in almost all 3D games. PSP2 just needs to be as powerful and easy to develop for as the PS2 out of the gate. I hope Sony doesn't try to go the extra mile and make a super expensive machine that has graphics that the developers will have to struggle tap into for the first 2 years that its out.
SkyKnight @ Dec 16th 2008 11:44AM
To be honest, Sony shouldn't be like Apple coming out with new iPods/iPhones every once in a while. If it ain't broke, don't fix it (yet!).
But with the technical problems in the -3000 series (LCD screens), I agree Sony should try to solve it and as well to do some minor updates (how about 1GB internal storage space for a start?) if it wants to release it as the -4000 series.
With the competition from Nintendo DSi and iPhones, I would say Sony needs to examine and determine what the next PSP should do within the next year or so (PSP came out in 2004!). I do agree a touch screen isn't a must, but can be explored; but a high volume of internal storage (~8GB and beyond) will be a must, and with that, maybe Sony can say goodbye to the UMD.
lee @ Dec 16th 2008 11:49AM
Where is Gran Turismo mobile???? They are gonna put out a new PSP and still Polyphony can't finish what was supposed to be a release title for the PSP. SAD
Angel Mass @ Dec 16th 2008 1:29PM
I guess the PSP 4000 Is going to be all about fixing the scalelines issue in the PSP 3000
iRok @ Dec 16th 2008 2:51PM
Instead of building two, why can't they just integrate the two into one? Unless their not going to use the small disks anymore...but that's just my hunch.
Warner Young @ Dec 16th 2008 3:54PM
If they do put in an improved screen in a PSP-4000, I hope they *completely* fix the interlacing issue. Now that I know about it and have seen it on the 3000, I'm noticing it on the 2000's screen as well. It's nowhere near as bad as on the 3000, but it's there. So it'd be nice if the next model actually fixed the problem fully.
As for a PSP2, yeah, I have to think Sony must at least be planning one. Although if I'm right, there's an... interesting... contractual issue they'll have to deal with if they do make a PSP2.
In any case, the following seem like pretty safe bets for features (okay, I guess it's more of a wishlist):
1) UMD drive (for backward compatibility) OR a big push to turn most popular PSP1 titles into downloadables.
2) At least one, but probably two (or more), of the following: 2 analog sticks; touch screen; accelerometer for SixAxis-like gaming.
3) Higher resolution, and probably bigger, screen. I'd like to see them shoot for 720x480 at least, so that it would output properly with no stretching or margins onto an HDTV. Hopefully the screen will be OLED (or LCD backlit). Even nicer would be something transflective, so you can play directly in sunlight and turn off the backlighting.
4) Two memory card slots. I understand why they want a Memory Stick slot, for the built-in DRM. But having, say, a MiniSD or MicroSD slot in addition, for you to load your own content that doesn't require DRM, would be really nice. That will let users put much more content on there using cheaper media.
5) Extra shoulder buttons might be nice, but I confess I can't see how they could do that and keep this thing thin.
TJF588 @ Dec 16th 2008 4:14PM
I like Warner's list, and agree w/ Mullinsmcd that PSP2 should be a portable PS2, though my desies are for further portable versions of home console favorites (specifically Square Enix's push with FF and other series).
*sigh* Dammit, Gaucho reflects my sentiments on this leaking out. I've been kinda silently excited about the prospect of a PSP-3001(?) this Christmas, but would it really be a waste of money? Could I really hold out until the 4000 series? I mean, sure, I guess I could give "mine" to my sister's b/f (who I'm guessing has the original build), but I could also just splurge on a 2000 series and wait it out, eh? Damn you, Sony, and tearing me apart.
Warner Young @ Dec 17th 2008 3:49PM
Oops. I hadn't thought of the PS2 angle. Yeah, making it essentially a portable PS2 would be great, if it could be done. They'd need some way for you to transfer existing games on DVD to your PSP2, though. And how much storage would we need to hold more than a couple of games?
tyrant1234 @ Dec 16th 2008 4:55PM
I will NOT be buying a PSP-4000
I don't like this whole lets bring out a new PSP each year and shaft all the people who bought the last one mentallity!!!
I had an original 1000 traded that in for the 2000 and in turn traded that in for the 3000 but i am not doing it a third time!!
Warner Young @ Dec 17th 2008 3:53PM
tyrant1234, I'm not sure I follow your argument. Putting out a new PSP with only very minor and incremental improvements doesn't shaft previous owners. If the improvements aren't enough to make you buy the new model, then you shouldn't buy it, and you're not being shafted.
If the improvements ARE worth your money, then you're not being shafted.
The only problem I see is for people who have a Pavlovian reaction that forces them to buy the new model of something no matter what, whether the new version does anything for them. In that case, I guess such a person would be shafted, but I'd argue they have some bigger problems.
drepsx3 @ Dec 16th 2008 6:07PM
NO PSP 4000!!!!!!! Just make the PSP 3000 the official model..........I don't mind a PSP 2 But just not right now P.S i want a PSP2 with built in memory!
andwhyisit @ Dec 16th 2008 6:36PM
My ideas for PSP2:
- A method of reducing load times on PSP1 UMD titles without having to rip to memory stick via CFW.
- Support for PS2 titles so that we can buy PS2 stuff from the store (oh, and a friggin' "resume download" feature).
- An addon to read a PS1 or PS2 disc direct to the PSP2 and DRM it.
- More powerful.
- Second analogue.
- An official language for writing homebrew apps that cannot breach the security of the PSP2, with a compiler built into the firmware itself (although lots of CFW homebrew will have to be re-written).
- No touch screen, not ever!
- Faster UMD format.
Zippon @ Dec 17th 2008 1:28AM
First reply I've seen that makes a lot of sense. Good list.
I have to laugh at the folks who want or think the PSP2 will include a million extra goodies on top of what it already does (camera, GPS, etc)--like being the most powerful unit on the block has worked so well so far, eh? How many PSP2's do you think will sell at $300 or more?
Sony needs to work on 3 things: lower prices, ease of use, and stopping piracy. I wouldn't be surprised if they dumbed the unit down a bit to get the price closer to a DS. Taking a risk by packing more tech in, especially when money is tight for everyone, would be a bonehead move.
Extreme Coder @ Dec 16th 2008 10:05PM
If Sony doesn't atleast make the PSP have a better ending, then I doubt the PSP2 will do any better.
Developers will be much more cautious of developing for the PSP2 after how the PSP went. and if Sony announces the PSP2 in the next half-year, the last year or two of the PSP is killed.
What would make the PSP2 work out greatly though, if it ran PS2 games. I considered the PSP to be kinda like a PS1.75 in terms of capabilities, so the PSP2 should be like a PS2.5 or even better :P
miles pieri @ Dec 16th 2008 10:07PM
Hopefully the PSP-4000 will have a slot that supports Nintendo DS cartridges. That way, I'll finally have something new to play on the bloody thing.
Jake Reynolds @ Dec 16th 2008 10:24PM
What I want the PSP2 to feature:
-Second analog nub.
-Touchscreen (more for internet, UI control, etc. not really for gaming)
-GPU that can handle this: http://pspupdates.qj.net/Beyond-benchmarks-potential-PSP-2-GPU-candidate-churns-out-tech-demo-images/pg/49/aid/126835
-Better shoulder buttons
-Higher resolution screen (not necessarily bigger, remember this is the Playstation PORTABLE :D)
-Better PSN support
I know all of this is probably too much to ask but it would be nice. Although I'm perfectly content with my current PSP and hopefully they will release more software.
anarkhy @ Dec 17th 2008 2:35AM
psp2 will come together with the ps4. every year has this rumours, if they cant compete with ds price now imagine the cost of putting something new and more powerfull.
also sony is clearly more interested in how ps3 is selling, psp is on second plane.
Darryl G @ Dec 17th 2008 10:20PM
....Wow, why not just cut the C_ap and just put one out every 15 minutes with fewer games that people want to buy in an economy that can't afford it. I can hear my faith in Sony 'go down the toilet faster than bad Chinese food'.